When's the last time you created something?
If your answer is, "It's been a while", that could be why your mental and emotional health have taken a toll. Mental and emotional health are two of the seven facets that make up our deep health, and if they are suffering, we are not going to thrive. Well, what does creation have to do with mental and emotional health? Great question! We were created to create and when we're not, we are not living our purpose. When we lack purpose, that is going to negatively affect us.
Let's think back to the very first thing God tells us about himself. ”In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.“ Genesis 1:1 ESV. God did what? He created! God is a creator! So what does that have to do with us as humans? Just a short while after that, God gives us another piece of information. ”Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.“ Genesis 1:26-27 ESV.
He created us in his image and likeness which is something he did not do with any other creature in all of creation. If we are made in his image and his likeness, that tells us we have the ability to create things and we should be. All other animals will only ever serve their purpose and nothing more. As humans, we evolve and grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and we have the capability to progress week over week, month over month, and year over year. If not, there is probably a disconnect with how we are showing up in our lives.
What are you good at? What are you passionate about? What lights you up inside? Start by answering these questions which will shed some light on what you could create. Your answer to the questions above will also show you what is most likely your area of genius. This is an area you are passionate about and where you will find it easiest to create content.
In the book, "Atomic Habits", by James Clear, he talks about finding a game to play where the odds are in your favor. Clear tells us, "In practice, you are more likely to enjoy the things that come easily to you. People who are talented in a particular area tend to be more competent at that task and are then praised for doing a good job. They stay energized because they are making progress where others have failed, and because they get rewarded with better pay and bigger opportunities, which not only makes them happier but also propels them to produce even higher-quality work. It's a virtuous cycle. Pick the right habit and progress is easy. Pick the wrong habit and life is a struggle. Pgs 222-223.
At the moment, what you do for a living may not be your passion, but you get to begin creating and living your passion outside of work. The more you put yourself out there, the more people will see your content, and the more people will recognize your genius. As Clear tells us above, "They stay energized because they are making progress where others failed, and because they get rewarded with better pay and bigger opportunities." Produce enough content, little by little, you can begin to transition out of your job and begin living completely in your passion. When you're living your purpose, you have direction and with direction, you will see progress and forward traction! Without purpose, without direction, we regress and this is when we are most miserable. When we are miserable, our mental and emotional health take a toll and we can spiral in an unhealthy direction.
With all this said, one of the best ways to start improving our mental and emotional health is to begin creating! First step, ask yourself these questions, "What am I good at?, What am I passionate about? And what lights me up inside?" When you have these answers, get moving using either your mind or your body and start creating! Life is to short to not wake up excited about what the day holds.
Remember, you were made to create. Don't deny yourself of the gifts you have been blessed with and start living your purpose.
I hope you enjoyed this read. If you found it helpful, please like, comment, and share!
Thank you!